Association notes interest in protecting fisheries

The Fishing Industry Association (FIA) witnessed an interest by industry players, mostly fishing companies, to safeguard the industry, during a workshop it organised.
FIA director of sustainability Marcelo Hidalgo said the two workshop in Lae allowed interaction between the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) as the enforcement authority and the private sector.
Hidalgo said they showed a willingness to comply with the laws.
The two-day workshop was designed to increase the level of competence and qualification of internal auditors in PNG’s tuna industry.
It also focused on human rights.
“This refers to decent living and working conditions onboard shipping vessels: how crew members live on-board, how fishing companies can improve living conditions and compliance with human rights,” Hidalgo said.
He said the training was two years behind schedule.
“But we were carrying out awareness to increase level of understanding and compliance with our members, to start the implementation of the management system such as policies, procedures, internal training, and awareness with crew members.”
Hidalgo said the FIA would also carry out audits with fishing companies in Lae, Madang and Rabaul.
“This exercise is to audit fishing companies and vessels against our social responsibility and human rights procedure, marine litter and fishing gear,” he said.
“Marine litter and fishing gear are part of our commitment to reduce and mitigate the pollution of the ocean with plastic, and reduce the risk of losing fishing gear that can be hazardous.”